Frontier eagle

Border eagle on the Rennsteig near Brotterode

As Grenzadler be landmarks with the Prussian designated national emblem. Such stones can be found at the former border crossing points, each standing on Prussian territory. Corresponding coat of arms of the neighboring state were often erected on its side within sight or were already there.

Standard stones were used for the installation. Each stone protruded from the ground about 1.50 to 1.80 m. The top was always rounded. On the side facing the street, a standardized cast-iron metal plate with the Prussian state coat of arms (eagle) was embedded.

Although border stones were legally protected as legal monuments and border points under the laws of the GDR , the distinctive border eagles were often removed as early as 1945 or the coat of arms was broken off. After the political change, numerous homeland associations tried to restore or re-manufacture such stones, as they are now considered a historical monument and tourist attraction.

Further examples

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  Oberhof , Thuringia, Grenzadler (Oberhof)

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  Bad Liebenstein , Thuringia, OT Bairoda

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  Barchfeld , Thuringia

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  Wildeck , Hessen, "Am Grenzadler"

literature

• Fritz Künemund: The border and boundary stones of the Barchfeld enclave . A mental hike along old landmarks. In: Ortschronik Schweina eV (Ed.): Altensteiner Blätter . 1996, p. 26-34 .

Web links

Commons : Grenzadler  - Collection of images, videos and audio files

Individual evidence

1. ^ Report on the restoration of a border eagle near Mittelschmalkalden. In: Freundeskreis Todenwarth (reports on club activities), section “Prussian border eagle”. Retrieved December 20, 2012 .